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Empowering Diverse Language Learners Through AI and Critical Pedagogy

Presented During:

ACTFL Roundtable Presentations 2  
Friday, November 21, 2025: 3:30 PM - 4:15 PM CST
Ernest Morial Convention Center  
Room: Room R01  

Proposal No:

1432 

Type:

Roundtable 

Applicable Language:

Non-language specific 

Language of Presentation:

English 

Lead Presenter:

Siyi Gao  
Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center (DLIFLC)

Submitter:

Siyi Gao  
Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center (DLIFLC)

Additional Presenter:

Dr Kara MacDonald  
Defense Language Institute

Content and Purpose:

The principles of critical pedagogy and artificial intelligence (AI) tools empower diverse learners to develop tailored action plans and activities that enhance language proficiency. Critical pedagogy enables learners to analyze learning needs, encourages self-reflection, and aids in creating tailored plans (Wink, 2011). AI tools, such as adaptive platforms and chatbots, provide tailored activities and feedback, helping learners identify strengths and weaknesses to create customized study plans. The presenters will: (a) introduce critical pedagogy and demonstrate how it integrates with AI tools to support learners; (b) share examples of applying critical pedagogy and AI tools (e.g., Copilot, ChatGPT, and MagicSchool, etc.) in training for faculty and students to create individual action plans and practices; (c) present AI-assisted action plans and activities, along with student feedback; and (d) facilitate a discussion on applying critical pedagogy and AI in the participants' contexts.

Outcomes:

Participants will comprehend and effectively articulate the principles of critical pedagogy and apply them to enhance classroom teaching practices.

Participants will be able to integrate critical pedagogy with AI tools to support learners in creating individualized action plans and activities that enhance language proficiency.

Participants will be able to create training programs for students and faculty on integrating critical pedagogy with AI tools to empower diverse language learners.

Program Guide Description:

AI tools can be used to create personalized action plans and practices. Presenters will share how critical pedagogy principles and AI tools empower diverse language learners to develop tailored action plans and enhance language proficiency. Examples of AI-assisted action plans and activities, along with student feedback, will be shared.

Audience Level:

All Audiences

Keywords:

Technology and Digital Learning